The Next Generation | David Grossmann - Southwest Art Magazine

David Grossmann, Forest Gaze, oil, 48 x 60.

How has your work evolved in recent years? My work is increasingly based on intuition, driven more by emotion than by trying to capture the specifics of a particular landscape. The longer I work, the more I hope that my art will convey a sense of peace and allow space for contemplation. We are surrounded by so many anxieties and distractions, so hopefully my paintings can be reminders that we are also surrounded by beauty when we choose to pause and notice.

Where do you find inspiration? From watching the world around me, especially when I am out in nature. Also from studying art history and from reading poetry.

What are you most proud of? I am most grateful for my wonderful wife, and for the community of art lovers who make this work possible for me.

Describe yourself in one word. Quiet.

Tell us a little bit about your studio. It is a converted one-car garage with good light, white walls, and stacks of paintings. The studio connects to our house, which makes it easy for me to take all-too-frequent snack and tea breaks while I am working. The space is simple and fairly practical, like me.

What do you hope to accomplish in the next few years? I am continually trying to find a good balance with work and other parts of my life, so I hope to grow in that. And I want to dig deeper into the motivations behind my work and to express those more clearly.

People would be surprised to learn that… I grew up in South America. The language and culture are still very important to me.

If your home or studio was on fire, what one thing would you save? My tea plant (I love tea), although it seems to be dying already.

How has the pandemic changed your art habits over the past year? When life feels unsteady, I am especially grateful to take refuge in art, to hole away in my studio and try to offer reminders of peace and connection through my work. Each day I am surprised and thankful that art is my job, and that I can keep working when so many people are not able to work.

What would you be if you weren’t an artist? A park ranger.

Favorite non-art-related thing to do? Birdwatching with my wife, Kristy.

What galleries represent your work? Altamira Fine Art, Jackson, WY; Gallery 1261, Denver, CO; Jonathan Cooper Gallery, London, England; Maxwell Alexander Gallery, Los Angeles, CA; Oh Be Joyful Gallery, Crested Butte, CO; Simpson Gallagher Gallery, Cody, WY.